Help clunk in the rear differential Nissan frontier 2006
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
That’s just backlash. Every vehicle is different but most automatic frontiers do this and you hear it because it’s exaggerated when you shift from D to R or R to D and hear the driveshaft turn the other way until it reaches the other limit of the backlash. Don’t worry about it.
I don’t see anywhere he says that it’s gotten worse. All he says is there’s a clunk and shows a video of said clunk which is backlash. It sounds and looks like any other backlash. If it’s more than it was in the past then he’s either got broken gears or worn u-joints adding to it. I don’t see a problem the way it is in the video.
Hello sorry about not putting up much info. The truck started doing this louder then before and sometimes it’s extremely loud. I have also compared it to another truck way louder than usual.
I also get this sound when I slow down I hear it from the rear and I get two pushes from the back. I have gotten told it was the transfer case and then u joints. I am trying to narrow it down to the issue by posting on here to see if anyone has had this issue.
I also get this sound when I slow down I hear it from the rear and I get two pushes from the back. I have gotten told it was the transfer case and then u joints. I am trying to narrow it down to the issue by posting on here to see if anyone has had this issue.
Definitely seems like excessive wear going on back there. I had a similar (nut not that extreme) clunking noise in my 2007 SE 4x4, but it also had 2.5 times more miles on it than your truck. My suggestion: Pull the back off the differential and drain the oil. You could have it analyzed to see if there is an unusual amount of metals, but I'd think you'll be able to see what's going on with the back cover off. You can actually do the same test with the back cover off without hurting anything. Curious what you find.
I had a clunk on my 05 Frontier with 15k miles. Dealer changed out my complete rear end and the clunk is still there. It might be your u-joint.
I'd say if there is urgency to his concern go get the fluid checked and changed and while there have it inspected if it's not within his skillset to do it on his own. At least that way a second set of eyes can inspect it and look for any damage as well. It does look like the amount of movement from the driveshaft is a bit excessive but if you can get in there and examine for anything loose that will really tell the tale. I doubt the fluid change will resolve much but at least the visual inspection can give more or less cause for concern.
What are they doing for $2k?
Yes, it can be repaired. I'd ask them to tell you what is actually wrong. Many shops can rebuild a rear axle (or just parts of if) for you. You could probably pick up a rear axle out of a junkyard truck and replace it yourself for much less. That's all depending on how ambitious you are.
I was going to say look into a used unit but after looking at some stuff on LKQ seems like even used commands a premium price. Pricing is all over the place depending on the axle and ring and pinion but as low as 580 and high as 1600+. Definitely sucks but sounds like your options for a direct replacement make it one of the more expensive options. 
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
